Charlie Weis is 27-19 in three-plus season as the head coach at Notre Dame (that's one fewer win than Bob Davie had in the same time), including two trips to BCS bowl games (both rather embarrassing losses), but recently success has been hard to come by. Last year, the Irish were just 3-9, setting a school-record for most losses in one season. Thus far in 2008, they've struggled to a 5-4 mark, with wins over such powerhouses as San Diego St., Stanford and Washington (the latter of which is literally one of the worst teams in the FBS).

It makes sense then that Weis, despite being in the midst of the 10-year, $30-40 million contract that will keep him in South Bend through 2015, has become the latest college coach to begin to feel the warmth of the proverbial hot seat.

Notre Dame fans, though, aren't looking for pretty good. They're looking for national championships, something they haven't celebrated since 1988. The Irish went 3-9 last season and despite an easier-than-usual schedule by Notre Dame standards, the Irish (5-4) are just a game above .500 and have lost three of their last four.

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Wednesday that he will not evaluate Charlie Weis until after the season, and that anyone who suggests a coaching change could occur should know that it is "not under consideration at this time."

"It's really dangerous to evaluate mid-year," Swarbrick said.

Asked what he would tell any recruit or fan who inquired about Weis' current job security, Swarbrick said: "I would tell them I am very pleased with the progress we have made this year and that we are moving in the right direction, that we're going to be even better next year, and that I would hope they would move forward with us."

Moreover, a buyout seems extremely unlikely, simply because it's rather unrealistic, with seven years left on Weis' contract at an estimated total of $21 to $28 million.

So, looks like Notre Dame is stuck with Weis for the long-haul. Better hope those top-recruiting classes begin to pay off.